19953, Hartly, Delaware Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 19953, Hartly, Delaware is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Millsboro, Delaware (19953)

Finding the right healthcare, especially for a chronic condition like asthma, requires careful consideration. This review examines hospitals near Millsboro, Delaware (ZIP code 19953), focusing on factors crucial for asthma patients: emergency room wait times, specialty care availability, telehealth options, and overall quality indicators like CMS star ratings. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help you make informed decisions about your asthma care.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The Delmarva Peninsula, where Millsboro sits, offers a mix of community hospitals and larger regional facilities. Proximity to larger cities like Salisbury, Maryland, and Dover, Delaware, expands the options. However, travel time and access to specialized resources are critical considerations for managing asthma, which can flare up unexpectedly.

**Beebe Healthcare (Lewes, DE): A Local Focus**

Beebe Healthcare, located in Lewes, DE, is the closest major hospital system to Millsboro. It's a community-focused organization with a strong presence in Sussex County. While Beebe doesn't have a dedicated "Asthma Center," its primary care physicians and pulmonologists provide asthma management services.

Beebe's emergency room wait times are a key consideration. While specific real-time data fluctuates, it's advisable to check the hospital's website or use online tools like the ER Wait Times app to get the most up-to-date information. Shorter wait times are crucial during an asthma exacerbation. Beebe has been working to improve efficiency, and the latest reports show improvements in wait times, but it is still important to check the current situation.

Beebe offers telehealth options, which can be valuable for asthma patients. Telehealth appointments can be used for medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even initial consultations in some cases. This can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine care. The availability of telehealth services for asthma management should be confirmed directly with Beebe Healthcare.

Beebe's CMS star rating is an important indicator of overall quality. As of the latest available data, Beebe Healthcare's overall star rating is a 3-star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**Peninsula Regional Medical Center (Salisbury, MD): Regional Reach**

Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Salisbury, Maryland, is another option, located approximately 30-40 minutes from Millsboro. PRMC is a larger regional hospital with a broader range of specialized services.

PRMC's emergency room typically sees a higher volume of patients than Beebe. Therefore, wait times can vary. Checking the hospital's website or using online resources is essential to determine current wait times. PRMC has invested in its emergency department, and wait times have improved, but it is still important to check.

PRMC offers a more extensive network of specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, who can provide comprehensive asthma care. The hospital's respiratory therapy department is also well-equipped to handle asthma-related emergencies.

PRMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years. The hospital's telehealth services can be used for various appointments, including follow-up visits with pulmonologists. This is beneficial for asthma patients who need regular check-ins.

PRMC's CMS star rating provides an indication of its overall quality. PRMC has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus (Dover, DE): Delaware's Capital**

Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, in Dover, DE, is another option for asthma patients. Dover is approximately a one-hour drive from Millsboro.

Bayhealth, Kent Campus, has a large emergency department. Emergency room wait times can vary, so checking the hospital's website or using online resources is essential.

Bayhealth, Kent Campus, offers a range of specialists, including pulmonologists, who can provide asthma care. The hospital also has a respiratory therapy department.

Bayhealth offers telehealth services, which can be useful for follow-up appointments and medication management.

Bayhealth, Kent Campus, has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**ChristianaCare (Newark, DE): A Flagship Option (Further Away)**

ChristianaCare, located in Newark, Delaware, is a major healthcare system, approximately a two-hour drive from Millsboro. While further away, ChristianaCare's specialized asthma care programs and resources make it a potential option for complex cases or those seeking the highest level of care.

ChristianaCare's emergency departments are often busy. Emergency room wait times can fluctuate, so checking the hospital's website or using online resources is crucial.

ChristianaCare has a comprehensive pulmonology department and specialized asthma centers. These centers offer advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and access to clinical trials.

ChristianaCare has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth appointments are available for various specialties, including pulmonology.

ChristianaCare's CMS star rating is a 3-star rating.

**The Importance of Specialty Care**

For asthma patients, access to pulmonologists and allergists is crucial. These specialists can provide accurate diagnoses, develop personalized treatment plans, and manage complex cases. The availability of these specialists varies among the hospitals mentioned. It's important to research the specific specialists affiliated with each hospital and their areas of expertise.

**Telehealth: A Convenient Tool**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare. For asthma patients, telehealth can be used for medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even initial consultations. This can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine care. The availability and scope of telehealth services vary among the hospitals.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a critical consideration for asthma patients, especially during an exacerbation. Shorter wait times can mean quicker access to life-saving treatment. It's essential to check the current wait times at each hospital before seeking emergency care.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Quality Indicator**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable, albeit imperfect, measure of overall hospital quality. They reflect a hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While not the sole determinant of quality, a higher star rating generally indicates a higher level of care.

**Making Your Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care requires careful consideration of several factors. Proximity, emergency room wait times, the availability of specialists, telehealth options, and overall quality indicators like CMS star ratings are all important.

For residents of Millsboro (19953), Beebe Healthcare offers a local option with a focus on community care. Peninsula Regional Medical Center provides a regional alternative with a wider range of specialists. Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, provides another option. ChristianaCare, while further away, offers specialized asthma care programs.

Before making a decision, it's essential to research the specific specialists affiliated with each hospital, check current emergency room wait times, and inquire about telehealth options. Consulting with your primary care physician is also recommended to determine the best fit for your individual needs.